Great news for over 100 million central government employees and pensioners. After a long wait, the central government has finally announced the unprecedented terms and conditions (Torrent) of the 8th Pay Commission. A three-member commission, headed by Justice Ranjana Desai, has been appointed with the extraordinary task of reviewing employees’ salaries, allowances, gratuities, and performance-based incentives and submitting its recommendations. Meanwhile, Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) are also raising strong demands for inclusion in the 8th Pay Commission and a pay increase.
Report Submission Deadline
The central government has clearly mandated the Pay Commission to submit its comprehensive report within 18 months. The Commission is mandated to submit its full report within 18 months of its formation.
Interim Report
In exceptional circumstances, the Commission may also submit an interim report if it so desires. The primary objective of the interim report is to expedite the implementation of necessary changes and provide immediate relief to employees. This ambitious move has raised strong hopes for millions of government employees to receive significant increases in their salaries and pensions in the coming years.
Demand for Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)
As soon as the formation of the 8th Pay Commission was announced, there was a strong demand for the inclusion of approximately 2.75 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). MP Ambika Laxminarayan Valmiki wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi making this unprecedented demand. She emphasized that postmen in rural areas perform the same responsibilities as their urban counterparts. However, they are denied the benefits of the Pay Commission because a separate committee is formed for them each time. This discrimination prevents them from receiving the proper benefits of salary increases and allowances.
Why are GDS employees different
Currently, Gramin Dak Sevaks are not considered central government employees, and therefore, they do not receive benefits under the 7th Pay Commission. They run small post offices in villages and handle mail delivery, money orders, banking, Aadhaar services, and government schemes. Their pay structure and service conditions are determined by a departmental committee rather than the Central Pay Commission.
When will the 8th Pay Commission report be released
The 8th Pay Commission has begun the process of preparing its documents and report at an unprecedented pace. As per the schedule, the Commission must submit its recommendations by April 2027. However, if the report is ready sooner than this, the government may consider it earlier. Once the recommendations are submitted, the government will review and approve them, after which the new pay structure will be implemented. This important process is expected to bring about a major and positive change in the financial situation of central government employees.